The President of the Republic of Uganda has requested the land title for the Kagulu cultural site, a crucial step before beginning the donation of infrastructure. This announcement was made following reports on the growing popularity of the annual Kagulu Hill climbing challenge, which has continued to attract more participants each year, according to the 1st Deputy Premier and Speaker Emeritus of the 9th and 10th Parliament, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga.
The increasing importance of the Kagulu cultural site to the tourism sector of Busoga Kingdom and Uganda was highlighted, with this year’s event registering over 33,600 visitors, and the numbers are expected to keep rising, as stated by Rt. Hon. Kadaga.
The 9th Kagulu Hill climbing challenge saw record participation, showcasing the growing awareness of Busoga Kingdom’s cultural values. His Royal Highness William Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga Kingdom, expressed his gratitude to President Museveni, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, Hon. Moses Magogo, sponsoring companies, ministers, and the people of Busoga who have been instrumental in making the event a success. He also awarded Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga a certificate in recognition of her contributions to the Kingdom.
Kyabazinga called upon the youth of Busoga to seize the opportunity to develop their talents and strive for excellence, emphasizing that the sky is the limit.
The area Member of Parliament and FUFA President, Hon. Moses Magogo, thanked those who consistently support Busoga activities in large numbers. He assured continued security and support to ensure that the Kagulu tourism site is developed to meet the required standards.
“Owek. Hellen Namutamba, the Minister of Busoga Tourism and Culture, revealed that President Museveni has promised to construct a tourism institution, a market, and improve all roads leading to the Kagulu site.”
Owek. Namutamba also expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support from the President, the Busoga Kingdom, and other sponsors such as New Vision, MTN, Rt. Hon. Kadaga, Hon. Moses Magogo, and others who have been instrumental in supporting Busoga Kingdom’s tourism sector.
This call for infrastructure comes in response to the inadequate facilities at the Kagulu tourism site, which are struggling to cope with the increasing number of tourists. The limited number of toilets, lack of permanent accommodation and restaurant services, and poor general sanitation due to insufficient staff and trained guides are some of the pressing issues.
Michael Kiirya, the manager of the only facility at the Kagulu tourism site, noted that the facility, which is privately owned by Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, can only accommodate 20 visitors per night. This limitation has hindered the full utilization of Busoga’s tourism potential due to inadequate investment.
Kagulu Hill holds significant historical value for the Busoga Kingdom, as it is the site where the first Musoga, Omukama Nyamutukura, and his people settled after migrating from the Bunyoro-Kitara Empire in the 16th century. The hill boasts several treasures, including a cave at the top, a statue of Omukama Nyamutukura, and, most notably, it is the highest elevation in Busoga, rising 3,600 feet above sea level.
